(BPT) - Everyone has favorite moments from the holiday season. For some it's a present from a distant relative or greeting family members with a warm hug when they get off the plane. For others it's sitting down together to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. Some of these moments are steeped in tradition and others are new occurrences your family will be talking about for years. But old or new, each moment is special in its own way.
Creating a memorable holiday season takes time and dedication, not only that of families across the country, but of thousands of transportation professionals as well. And in the spirit of a season in which it’s better to give than to receive, here are Michelin’s unsung heroes of transportation that deserve thanks for everything they do to make the holidays special for everyone.
* Airport workers. That warm hug in the airport would never happen without the tireless effort of these flight and ground crews. Last year, an estimated 38.1 million people flew during the holiday season — that’s roughly one tenth of the nation’s population — and it’s the hard work of airport professionals everywhere that got them where they were going.
* Farmers. The holiday meal starts with the work of the farmer and each farmer feeds more people than you may have guessed. According to the USDA, each farmer supplies food for 144 people in the U.S. and abroad each year. That’s enough to satisfy all your holiday guests, no matter how many people are invited.
* Truck drivers. However you may travel to your holiday destination — planes, trains or automobiles! — your shipped packages will arrive by truck. An estimated 3.6 million truck drivers will transport nearly 70 percent of all freight tonnage in the U.S. this holiday season. Drivers work long hours to make sure your gifts arrive on time.
* Miners. No one wants a lump of coal in their stocking, but coal miners also produce 210 metric tons of gold producing ore and 1,170 metric tons of silver producing ore. And for those gifts you’d much rather have? Yes, they’re responsible for those shiny baubles and jewelry as well.
* Parcel delivery workers. Those weekly deliveries take on special importance during the holiday season and for parcel delivery workers the job takes on extra volume as well. Research shows parcel delivery workers will deliver nearly 20 billion packages, letters and gifts during the 2016 holiday season, according to the United States Postal Service.
* Snow Plow Drivers. Thousands of drivers are responsible for clearing millions of miles of roadways and bridges to keep roads safe for traveling to holiday events and gatherings.
* Construction workers. Responsible for infrastructure, housing, commercial and governmental projects, these dedicated workers work through the elements to complete roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects and buildings. Whether they built or renovated the home that will host your holidays this year, or the roads you travel to your favorite parties, construction workers play an integral part in bringing your holidays to life.
Say thanks today
The holiday season is magical due to the efforts of these dedicated people, and to say thanks, Michelin is recognizing individuals in the transportation and travel industries throughout the holiday season. Nominations can be made by posting to Michelin’s Twitter account via the hashtag #KeepThanksMoving or by posting on the MichelinUSA Facebook page. Michelin will then randomly select seven individuals to receive a Michelin-themed gourmet gift box from Try the World. You can learn more about the contest at Michelinmedia.com, so get your nominations ready and give back to those who give so much to you during the holidays.